Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute

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Remembering Michael MacCarthy

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Morwick G360 is saddened by the loss of our good colleague and friend Dr. Michael MacCarthy. We would like to take a moment to honour his legacy and celebrate his many achievements. Mike was an Associate Professor in Environmental & Civil Engineering at Mercer University, and a Special Graduate Faculty at the University of Guelph (Canada). He was an Associate Editor & Member of the Editorial Board for the Hydrogeology Journal (International Association of Hydrogeologists), and in 2019 received the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Southeastern Section’s Outstanding New Faculty Research Award.

Mike led the Engineering for Development program at Mercer University, designed to help students become leaders in finding sustainable solutions for the environment and to improve the lives of under-served people. Through this program, Mike joined with MG360 to help maintain cost-effective, sustainable sources of drinking water in developing communities around the world. Mike worked with MG360 faculty and students to create the Spring Wells Project, which monitors contamination levels and water quality in mountain springs around cities in the San Juan province of the Dominican Republic. Research here will provide valuable data to ensure the sustainability of drinking water sources in mountain communities worldwide. The project is a clear example of the meaningful work Mike carried out during his career.

In addition to performing research with real-world humanitarian impact, Mike also served as a mentor to graduate students here at MG360 and the University of Guelph, and will be remembered for his care, and his commitment to training the next generation of researchers dedicated to a sustainable future for all. We at Morwick G360 mourn the loss of this exceptional individual. He will be remembered fondly by colleagues, friends, students, staff, and all who knew him.

Introducing Morwick G360’s New Advisory Board Member Glen Kirkpatrick

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We are pleased to announce that Glen Kirkpatrick (PEng, PG) is joining the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute’s Advisory Board this Fall. Throughout his career, Glen has demonstrated a clear commitment to groundwater research. With degrees in environmental engineering, contaminant hydrogeology, and strategic management, Glen’s insight into groundwater science and the field of contaminant remediation is exceptional. He is currently a Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., a consulting firm engaged in remediation practices in the northeastern United States. Glen’s work involves the remediation of sites impacted by chlorinated solvent DNAPLs, PFAS, and other recalcitrant contaminants.

The Morwick G360 Advisory Board plays an important role in shaping the future direction of the Institute. By providing input and oversight, they help chart a path forward, enabling the Institute to achieve its mission. With Glen’s combination of experience and expertise, we are pleased to have him as part of the team.

Morwick G360’s Mission: Enable evidence-informed groundwater resource stewardship by providing a world class research institute of excellence for training and collaboration to advance knowledge, professional practice, and policy.

Reflections from our outgoing board member Catherine Creber

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Over the last three and a half years, Catherine Creber has been a vital part of the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute. Since 2018, Catherine has played a key role on our Advisory Board, and we are proud of what has been accomplished with her guidance. Below, Catherine offers some reflections on her time with MG360 and what we have accomplished together:

“It was a genuine pleasure to be on the Advisory Board of the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute for the past several years. With a career in chemical production and environmental remediation, I have always been fascinated by groundwater research and its applications, from the very basic chemical transport mechanisms that were studied in the 80’s, to the discrete fracture mapping and sophisticated technologies such as oxidation, bioremediation, phytoremediation, and chemical fixation that are now indispensable tools for environmental scientists and engineers in our quest to solve real life problems.

The lead researchers at the Institute have been involved from the very beginning in this explosion in groundwater science. This gathering of multi disciplined professors, consultants and advanced degree students, with collaboration from industry and governments, is a powerhouse of intellect and skills. MG360 continues to provide insights into groundwater that Canadians and the world require to move forward with sustainable environmental practices. I will always take pride that I was associated in a small way with this wonderful group.”

Thank you Catherine for your eager participation, support, and insights during your time with Morwick G360. We wish you all the best!

Morwick G360 PhD student Julie Zettl awarded Thomas Krug Memorial Scholarship

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Julie Zettl is this year’s recipient of the Thomas Krug Memorial Scholarship – congratulations!

Julie is a new PhD student with Dr. Beth Parker at the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute.  Dr. Parker’s high impact research over the last 35+ years has aided in building a framework for the scientific, private and publics sectors to inform their decision-making regarding groundwater contamination assessment, in-situ remediation of groundwater systems, and groundwater management. Julie is a welcome addition to the team, and we are excited to have her aboard and to celebrate her scholarship.

The Thomas Krug Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Thomas Krug, who showed immense commitment to environmental stewardship through his 30-year career at Geosyntec applying novel approaches to environmental remediation. Geosyntec is multi-national civil and environmental engineering consulting firm serving clients from more than 80 offices in North America, Europe, and Australia. Thomas loved northern Canada and he inspired many of his friends and family to explore these beautiful lands. He passed away two years ago, survived by his loving wife Janet and his three adult children. Thomas’ family and the employees at Geosyntec were thrilled to award this scholarship again this year.

Julie’s research project reflects Thomas’ commitment to environmental stewardship in northern Canada. She will take part in a study of groundwater quality in the Liard Basin near the community of Fort Liard. Dr. Parker is the Principal Investigator of this multi-disciplinary, cross-institutional project. The project has many collaborators including Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, Acho Dene Koe First Nation, the Hamlet of Fort Liard, Beaver Enterprises, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, with the aim of completing a baseline groundwater quality investigation in the Liard Basin.

A network of monitoring wells will be installed as part of the research project and later will be operated by the GNWT. The research will enable the development of a groundwater monitoring network that will support the NWT water stewardship strategy to ensure water remains clean, abundant and productive. This scholarship and research program are examples of the synergies the Morwick G360 Institute and Geosyntec have had here in Canada and in the USA over the years.  It is suitable that the project involves water protection in Canada’s North, as this was a true passion of the late Thomas Krug.

Canadian Academy of Engineering elects new Fellows, including Morwick G360’s Dr. Beth Parker!

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On June 14th, the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) announced its newly elected Fellows for 2021. Among them is Morwick G360’s founder and director, Dr. Beth Parker.

Founded in 1987, the CAE is an institution that enables skilled engineers to provide strategic advice for the benefit of Canada and Canadians. Each year, the CAE elects new Fellows through a vote of their peers. These Fellows are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering in Canada and worldwide.

The CAE recognizes Dr. Parker for her achievements and service in the field of groundwater protection and contamination treatment:

“Dr. Parker is a global leader in fractured porous geologic media contamination, helping to protect water supplies in Guelph and many other communities. She pioneered new fractured bedrock characterisation methods (as of April 2021: 4 patents and more than 165 refereed papers, among other contributions), including novel downhole borehole devices and procedures for investigating contamination in bedrock aquifers. These methodologies have been used at complex contamination sites worldwide. Her paradigm-shifting contributions have changed how engineers can and should study contaminated sites to inform their remediation decisions. Her new technologies enable effective monitoring of bedrock aquifers.”

You can read the CAE’s full press release and learn about some of the other new Fellows here. Congratulations to Dr. Parker and the rest of the CAE’s new cohort of Fellows!